44i vs 3.0i reliability

[x5Alpine]

whats the difference between the 4.4i and 3.0i in terms of reliability and repair costs?

Thanks!!

[JCL]

The 3.0 wins on reliability and lower repair costs.

You have to decide if those issues are enough to over ride everything else. I love the 6 cylinders, but others like the power of the V8.

[FSETH]

I agree with JCL. BMW is pretty good at making inline 6's by now. The V8 seems to be more prone to oil leaks. Not to mention it has more plugs, coils, valve cover gaskets, valley pan gasket, etc.

Don't plan on saving much money in fuel costs with the inline 6 though. It isn't really any better than the V8.

[fast4d]

V8 requires alot more repairs... valley pan, rear coolant log gaskets, hoses, VC gaskets area big PITA. much harder to access....if you are a DIYer.


but IMO the natrually aspirated 6 is not enough to move a 3 ton vehicle with authority or if you tow.

[javierh8]

Get yourself a 2004 or newer 4.4i. Same gas mileage than 3.0 6L, more power and a helluva engine!!!

[JCL]

Originally Posted by javierh8

Get yourself a 2004 or newer 4.4i. Same gas mileage than 3.0 6L, more power and a helluva engine!!!

Same mileage if you drive it like the EPA did in their standard dyno test, ie at the same acceleration fate as the 3.0.

Not the same mileage in the real world, as owners tended to take advantage of the additional power they had available to them.

[skeetjunkie]

I've had a '04 3.0L for about 100K miles now - some around town use, but most of it has been long distance highway. That 6cyl has given me plenty of hp on the interstates, and boost when I've needed it (ask the WV state boy who warned me @ 90mph last month). Check around the various BMW forums and you'll find the M54 6cyl engine gets pretty good long term reviews in both the E46 and E39 models as well - except for coolant system components (i.e. expansion tank, etc) - but those same problems afflict the V8 as well.

Fewer repairs and lower maintenance costs for the 6cyl. More HP for the 8 - your choice.

[motordavid]

I agree with JCL and streejunkie, and as I often opined here, the 3.0, even with auto tranny, will bring all one needs to the dance. If one tows, or hauls a skid of bricks, or simply wants/needs the V8, then that is your choice...drive both and pick one.
GL, mD

[haigha]

I was given a loaner 3.0 for two days prior to purchase. I went for the 4.4 because I didn't like the revs on the 3.0 at highway speeds where I do most of my driving and I like a more passing power. So far my 4.4 has been relatively problem free but it is very low mileage.

[joeboch348]

We dont buy bmws for fuel mileage or less in repair costs. We buy them to drive faster than everyone else and look better doing it
For that you need the 4.4 or higher